The 10 Greatest Moments From The 2018 Formula One Season

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Lewis Hamilton became only the third Formula One driver in history to capture a fifth world title (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP) (Photo credit should read PEDRO PARDO/AFP/Getty Images)

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It's exactly 53 days until the starting lights go out on the 2019 Formula 1 season in Australia. Which is plenty of time to reflect on the greatest moments — the triumphs, crashes, screw-ups, victories, retirements — of the 2018 season. It's no surprise that most of these involve the teams that were actually competitive: Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. Here's to hoping for a more competitive field in 2019.

10. Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen battle at the US Grand Prix

Verstappen showed on this one lap that he'll be a contender for the Formula 1 title if he has the right car.

One of the great drivers of our time and a huge fan favorite. We'll keep up with his career in Indy Car and hope he returns to Formula 1 in 2020.

4. Danial Ricciardo takes pole position at the Monaco Grand Prix

They say that Monaco is won on Saturday (qualifying) because the course provides so little opportunity to pass. This was Ricciardo's and Red Bull's moment to shine.

3. Verstappen blows the lead in a crash with Esteban Ocon at the Brazilian Grand Prix

The most controversial moment of the season. While Ocon had the right to unlap himself, he also had an obligation to the leader of the race. And while Verstappen was the leader, he had everything to lose. Hamilton said as much in the waiting room before the podium ceremony. A more mature driver would not have made Verstappen's mistake. He let his ego and the history he's had with Ocon get the better of him.

2. Kimi Räikkönen wins the US Grand Prix

F1 fans overwhelmingly voted the US Grand Prix as the best race of the season. It received 33% of the vote, while second place received only 13%. It was an amazing race start to finish. Räikkönen's win was not only hugely popular with fans, it also extended Hamilton's title victory at least one more race.

History was made on October 28th, 2018 in Mexico City. While Verstappen won the race for the second year in a row, signaling his readiness to challenge for the title, Lewis Hamilton became only the third driver in Formula 1 history to win five titles. We're fortunate to live in the Hamilton era, as he's truly a great champion.